621 products
Sort by:
621 products
621 products
The Big Hammer 5" Swimbait is a West Coast go-to built for anglers who want a bigger profile with the same erratic, fish-triggering action the brand is known for. Its square tail generates a darting, unpredictable swim that draws reaction strikes from calico bass, halibut, lingcod, and more β even on tough days when finesse baits aren't getting it done.
The soft yet durable plastic holds up through multiple fish on the less toothy species. Rig it with a Big Hammer jig head and fish it slow for suspended fish or let it sink deep before starting your retrieve.
Key Features
- Square tail design β erratic, darting action that triggers reaction strikes
- 5" profile β larger presence for bigger target species
- Soft, durable plastic β holds up through multiple fish
- Versatile depth range β adjust with jig head weight
- 13 colors available β proven West Coast patterns
- Pairs with Big Hammer jig heads and Owner Stinger Harness
- Ideal for calico bass, halibut, lingcod, and inshore species
- Sold individually
Color Note
In 2020, Toast was updated to Toasted β same proven color with the addition of a black tail for enhanced contrast and effectiveness.
Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 5 inches |
| Weight | 0.6 oz |
| Colors Available | 13 colors |
| Target Species | Calico bass, halibut, lingcod, inshore species |
| Recommended Rigging | Big Hammer jig head; Owner Stinger Harness for short strikes |
The Deps Sakamata Shad is a versatile soft jerkbait built for sharp, baitfish-style direction changes. Its smooth body moves with low water resistance, while keels along both sides help guide the bait through quick darts and jumps that can trigger reaction bites from bass.
Make a Fleeing Baitfish Look Convincing
When ordinary fluke-style baits track too predictably, the Sakamata Shad gives you a livelier presentation. Fish it weightless near the surface to imitate escaping forage, or take it deeper on a split-shot or Carolina rig when bass are holding closer to the bottom.
One Bait, Several Ways to Fish
The Sakamata Shad can cover water quickly or stay in the strike zone with a slower presentation. Choose smaller sizes when bass are focused on compact forage, and step up to the larger profiles when bigger baitfish are present or you want a more noticeable target.
Best For
- Weightless soft-jerkbait retrieves
- Fast twitch-and-pause presentations
- Split-shot and Carolina rigs
- Freshwater bass fishing
- Clear water, baitfish activity, and reaction-bite situations
Key Features
- Dual side keels help create the signature darting action
- Smooth body produces low water resistance
- Variable salt content by size balances action and material strength
- Available in sizes from 2 to 8 inches
- Multiple forage-matching color options
Models & Specs
| Size | Pack | Normal Material | Recommended Offset Hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 in. | 8 | 5% salt, 3.7 g | 1/0 |
| 5 in. | 6 | 10% salt, 9.8 g | 3/0 |
| 6 in. | 6 | 10% salt, 16.0 g | 4/0 |
| 7 in. | 5 | 5% salt | 5/0 |
| 8 in. | 4 | 5% salt, 36.5 g | 6/0 |
Additional 2, 3, and 4.5-inch variants are available. Select a size and color above to see current options.
Complete the Rig
Pair it with Owner Offset Worm Hooks for a clean soft-plastic setup, or use a Top Brass Carolina Ready Rig to work the bait near the bottom. For a more lifelike finish in a focused 6-inch profile, compare the Deps Sakamata Shad Real Soft Bait.
Tackle Express Tips
- Start weightless with two quick twitches followed by a pause, then adjust the pause length until the fish respond.
- Keep line slack between twitches so the bait can change direction instead of pulling straight ahead.
- Match the size to the forage you see, then use brighter or higher-contrast colors when visibility drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish the Sakamata Shad weightless?
Yes. A weightless rig is a strong choice for working near the surface and creating an escaping-baitfish presentation.
Can it be fished near the bottom?
Yes. Use it on a split-shot or Carolina rig to make the bait dart close to bottom cover.
Which size should I choose?
Choose a smaller profile when fish are feeding on compact forage. Move to a larger size when bigger baitfish are present or you want a more visible offering.
Same body as the Pickle Kick, different tail. Where the paddle tail thumps, the Booty Spin runs a spinning blade β flash and vibration instead of displacement. It's the bait you reach for when fish need to find the lure before they can decide about it.
Short version: blade-tail soft swimbait, weedless, three sizes. Pack count changes with size β check the table below before you order.
Pack Quantity by Size
Every size is the same shelf price. They are not the same quantity.
| Size | Per pack | Pack price | Per bait |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3" | 3 baits | $10.99 | $3.66 |
| 5" | 2 baits | $10.99 | $5.50 |
| 7" | 1 bait | $10.99 | $10.99 |
More plastic and a bigger blade cost more to make, so the price holds and the count drops. Worth knowing before you add the 7" to your cart expecting a handful of baits.
When to Fish a Blade Instead of a Paddle
A paddle tail moves water. A blade throws light and puts a higher-frequency vibration into it. Different signals, different conditions:
- Dirty or off-color water β the primary case. When fish can't see a profile from distance, flash and vibration bring them in close enough to commit.
- Low light β early, late, and overcast, where a blade catches whatever light there is.
- Pressured fish that have seen paddle tails all season. A different signal on the same body is often all it takes.
- Slow presentations β the blade keeps working at speeds where a paddle tail goes quiet, so you can crawl it and still be saying something.
When the water is clear and fish are keyed on a specific bait, go back to the paddle tail β that's the Pickle Kick.
On an Umbrella Rig
You don't need a full rig of these. The standard approach is two arms of Booty Spin mixed into a rig of paddle tails β the blades pull fish to the school, the paddle tails give them something to eat.
At two per pack, one pack of 5" covers exactly that. Run them on the bottom two arms with your heavier heads, or on the top three if you want the flash riding above the school.
Our crew wrote a photo-by-photo guide covering the arm bend, keel weighting, bait sizing by location, and how to keep five arms of hooks out of every other rod in the rack.
Read the full umbrella rig setup guide βRigging It
The Booty Spin uses the same body as the corresponding Pickle Kick size, so start with the hook size you'd run on the equivalent Pickle Kick and confirm the fit before you commit a pack β the point should sit flush in the body slot, not buried and not riding proud.
Keep the head as light as your depth allows. The blade needs to turn freely, and an over-weighted head that drags the bait nose-down can foul it against the body. A Warbaits Neck Breaker Swing Head lets the bait pivot independently, which helps the blade stay clear and spinning.
Picking a Size and Color
Not every color is offered in every size. The selector above shows what's actually available in each β pick your size first, then your color.
| Size | Where it fits |
|---|---|
| 3" | Harbors, bays, and skinny water. Spotted bay bass on the bottom. |
| 5" | The everyday size β open water, boiler rock, and umbrella rig arms. |
| 7" | Big profile with maximum flash. Culling for size, yellowtail in the mix. |
On color: the blade is already doing the attracting, so the body works best as a silhouette. Natural tones in clear water, darker bodies in green water, solid high-contrast colors once it gets dirty.
Pro Tips from the Tackle Express Crew
- Check the blade before every cast for the first few. A blade fouled against the body is a bait doing nothing, and you won't feel the difference until you look.
- Fish it slower than a paddle tail. The blade turns at a crawl. Speed adds nothing and can make it helicopter.
- Mix, don't replace. Two arms of blade in a rig of paddle tails outperforms an all-blade rig in most conditions we see.
- Save it for the days you'd otherwise go home. This is a dirty-water and low-light problem-solver, not a clear-day default.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming every size is the same quantity. Same price, three different pack counts. The 7" is a single bait.
- Too much head weight. Drags the nose down, fouls the blade, and kills the one thing you bought the bait for.
- Burning it. Fast retrieves make the blade spin the bait rather than the bait carry the blade.
- Fishing it in clear water and blaming the bait. Clear water is paddle-tail water. Different tool.
Specifications
or weighted EWG
or weighted EWG
Kicker does not publish bait weight, blade size, or hook size for the Booty Spin. Call the shop and we'll measure the size you're considering. Colors vary by size and by production run β the selector above is the live list. Hooks and jig heads are sold separately.
What's Included
Booty Spin swimbaits in the size and color selected β three per pack in 3", two per pack in 5", one per pack in 7". Hooks, jig heads, and the umbrella rig are sold separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many baits come in a pack?
Three in the 3", two in the 5", one in the 7". All three sizes are the same pack price.
Why does the 7" cost the same as the 3" if it's only one bait?
More plastic and a larger blade per bait. Per bait it works out to $10.99 for the 7" against $3.66 for the 3".
What's the difference between the Booty Spin and the Pickle Kick?
Same body, different tail. The Pickle Kick has a paddle tail that moves water; the Booty Spin has a spinning blade that throws flash and vibration. Paddle tail for clear water, blade for dirty water and low light.
What hook size does it take?
Kicker doesn't publish one for this bait. The body matches the corresponding Pickle Kick size, so start there and confirm the point sits flush in the slot β or call the shop and we'll check it against a hook for you.
Can I run a full umbrella rig of Booty Spins?
You can, but two arms of blade mixed into a rig of paddle tails works better in most conditions. One pack of 5" covers exactly two arms.
Is it weedless?
Yes, when the hook point sits flush in the body slot.
Why isn't my color available in the size I want?
Not every color is produced in every size. The selector above shows the live combinations β pick your size first, then your color.
Does the blade foul on the cast?
It can if the head is too heavy for the depth or the bait is rigged crooked. Keep the head light enough that the bait rides level and check the blade is turning free before you cast.
Gear That Goes With It
- Warbaits Neck Breaker Swing Head β lets the bait pivot so the blade stays clear.
- Kicker PK-Rig Umbrella Rig β five-arm rig with quick clips.
- Kicker Pickle Kick PK-5 β the paddle-tail version, 5".
- Kicker Pickle Kick PK-3 β the paddle-tail version, 3".
- Kicker Pickle Kick PK-7 β the paddle-tail version, 7".
Buy It From People Who Fish It
We sell Southern California saltwater tackle from our shop on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, and we fish these baits on the same water you do. Not sure whether the day calls for a blade or a paddle tail? Call us or come in β we'd rather point you at the right one than sell you both.
There's a band of water most lures ignore. Not the surface, not two feet down β the few inches just underneath, where bass sit looking up at a topwater bait and refuse to break through for it.
That's what this bait is for. The Riser Bait 007 has a metal lip angled up instead of down, so water pressure that would drive a normal lure under drives this one toward the surface. It runs just beneath the film with a subtle wake and a tight rolling action β drawing fish upward without ever asking them to commit to the top.
Short version: 2.8", 5/16 oz, subsurface wake bait. Eight colors.
Not a Topwater β and That's the Point
Everyone has had the day where fish boil behind a walking bait, push a wake at it, and turn off at the last second. They're up, they're interested, and they will not eat something on the surface.
A riser bait solves that specific problem. It gives them the same rising, fleeing target one layer down, where a fish can eat it without leaving the water. Jackall's own framing: it's built for surface-oriented fish that won't commit to traditional topwater.
Fish it when the topwater bite teases you and dies.
What the 007 Means
It's the length in millimetres. The 007 is 70mm and the 012 is 120mm β Japanese naming convention, not a model year. If you've been searching for a "Riser Bait 70," this is it.
How to Work It
Steady retrieve. The lip does the work β no rod cadence required, unlike a walking bait that needs you to feed it rhythm. Reel and let it rise and roll.
Speed controls depth. Faster brings it closer to the film and increases the wake; slower lets it run a little deeper. Find the level fish are holding at and stay there.
Let it sink. A lot of our customers count it down and retrieve it well under the surface. The same upward lip gives it a rising, erratic track down there β and on days fish won't come up at all, that's often the bite.
007 or 012?
| Β | Riser Bait 007 | Riser Bait 012 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2.8" (70mm) | 4.7" (120mm) |
| Weight | 5/16 oz | 1-1/8 oz |
| Signature | Subtle wake, tight roll | Pronounced wake, stronger push and flash |
| Tackle | Medium spinning or casting | Heavier casting gear |
| Take it when | Clear or pressured water, small forage, subtle presentation | You need reach and volume β scattered fish, big forage |
Fishing It Around Santa Clarita
This is the bait for the morning when stripers are boiling and nothing on top gets eaten. We publish Castaic Lake fishing reports with current conditions β worth a read before you drive out.
Picking a Color
| Conditions | What to reach for |
|---|---|
| Clear water, bright sun | RT Holo Minnow, Chrome, Mirror Wakasagi β flash and realism. |
| Overcast or low light | Bone White β clean silhouette against a grey sky. |
| Stained water | Chart Black Pearl β visible without being loud. |
| Fish on panfish | Bluegill β match the forage. |
| Heavily pressured fish | RT Minnow, Classic Japan Bait β subtler patterns for wary fish. |
Recommended Gear
- Rod: medium power, moderate action, 6'8" to 7'2". A fast tip pulls trebles on a strike you never see coming.
- Line: braid to a fluorocarbon or mono leader. Fluoro is fine here β unlike a true topwater, this bait isn't fighting to stay on the surface.
Pro Tips from the Tackle Express Crew
- Don't bend the bill. The upward lip is the entire mechanism. Bend it and the bait won't rise or track. Handle it accordingly in the box and when you unhook a fish.
- Use it as your follow-up. When a fish boils on your walking bait and misses, throw this back at the same spot. Same fish, one layer down.
- Vary speed before you change color. Retrieve speed sets how deep it runs and how much wake it throws β that's your main adjustment.
- Wait to feel weight. Strikes come from below and you often see the wake before you feel the fish.
Common Mistakes
- Fishing it like a walking bait. It doesn't need rod cadence. Reel and let the lip do it.
- Expecting surface blowups. The bait runs under the film β most strikes are a bulge or a wake, not a splash.
- Setting on sight instead of feel. Reel down until you feel weight.
- A bent or tweaked lip. Once the bill is out of true, the bait is finished.
Specifications
the surface
Jackall does not publish treble hook size for the 007. Call the shop and we'll check one out of the case for you.
What's Included
One Jackall Riser Bait 007 in the color selected, factory rigged with trebles. No spare hooks or split rings included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a topwater?
Not exactly. It runs just beneath the surface with a wake and a rolling action β Jackall built it for fish that are looking up but won't break the surface for a true topwater.
What does "007" mean?
The length in millimetres β 70mm. The 012 is 120mm.
How do I fish it?
Steady retrieve. The lip does the work; no rod cadence needed. Speed controls how close to the surface it runs.
Can I fish it deeper?
Yes β let it sink and retrieve steady. Plenty of our customers do, and it gets bit on days fish won't come up at all.
007 or 012?
007 for a subtle wake in clear or pressured water on standard tackle. 012 when you want a bigger push and more reach.
What rod and line?
Medium power, moderate action. Braid to a leader, or fluorocarbon straight through β unlike a true topwater, sinking line isn't working against this bait.
What species does it catch?
Largemouth and smallmouth bass primarily, and stripers feeding near the surface.
Why did my bait stop running right?
Check the lip. It's the whole mechanism, and a bend from a hookset, a rock, or a crowded tray changes how the bait tracks.
Related Gear
- Jackall Riser Bait 012 β the 4.7" big-profile version.
- Topwater Fishing Lures β poppers, walking baits, and frogs.
- All Jackall β the full lineup.
- Freshwater Lures β cranks, jerkbaits, and soft plastics.
Buy It From People Who Fish It
We're on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, twenty minutes from Castaic, and we fish these lakes ourselves. If the surface bite has been teasing you all week, this is the bait we'd hand you. Call the shop or read this week's Castaic report before you go.
A stickbait lives or dies on whether an average angler can make it walk. The Espetit is built so it does β the taper and balance do most of the work, so you get a clean side-to-side glide without the wrist rhythm a lot of walking baits demand.
Short version: floating topwater stickbait in five sizes from 70mm to 140mm. Walk-the-dog and sliding action, twin cavities that pull bubbles down with the bait, and an internal rattle β with a silent version if the rattle is working against you.
What Makes It Different
- Dual cavities β the bait drags air down as it darts, leaving a bubble trail alongside the surface disturbance. Two signals instead of one.
- Internal rattle tuned to a specific frequency, adding sound to the visual and the bubbles.
- Floats at rest β the pause holds it in the strike zone instead of dropping out of it, and the pause is where most stickbait fish commit.
- Aerodynamic profile for distance, which matters when fish are boiling out of reach or you're covering a flat from the beach.
- Five sizes spanning bass-sized finesse to full pelagic profiles.
Rattle or Silent?
The White N Flash (Silent) is not a color variation β it's a rattle-free version of the bait, currently offered in 95mm.
Reach for the silent when fish are heavily pressured, the water is very clear and calm, or the rattling version has been getting follows and refusals. Sound is an attractant right up until it isn't, and on flat mornings a quiet bait sometimes gets eaten by the same fish that just refused a loud one. Take the rattle version everywhere else β chop, wind, stained water, and any time you need to call fish from a distance.
Which Size
| Size | Weight | Hooks | What it's for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70mm | 6.8 g | #8 treble | Light spinning and BFS. Small forage, pressured freshwater bass. |
| 95mm | 10.5 g | #6 treble | The everyday size. Bass, spotted bay bass, and light surf work. |
| 110mm | β | β | The gap-filler. Bigger profile without going to full pelagic gear. |
| 125mm | 21 g | #2 treble | Saltwater surface work β calico bass, bonito, barracuda. |
| 140mm | 32 g | #1 treble | The long-cast option. Big surface profile for larger predators. |
We're confirming the 110mm's published weight and hook size with Fishus and will fill those in once verified β we'd rather show a blank than a guess. Call the shop and we'll weigh the one in the case.
Freshwater and Saltwater
The Espetit came out of the European seabass scene, which is why it casts and behaves the way it does β wind, chop, and long distances were the design brief.
Freshwater: 70mm and 95mm for largemouth and smallmouth, particularly on clear pressured lakes where a walking bait needs to be smaller than the standard.
Saltwater: the 125mm and 140mm are legitimate surface options for calico bass over structure, and for bonito and barracuda when they're feeding on top. The distance is the argument β boiling fish are usually further away than you'd like.
Fishing It Around Santa Clarita
Topwater windows on the local lakes move week to week. We publish Castaic Lake fishing reports with current conditions β worth checking before you decide it's a surface day.
Picking a Color
| Conditions | What to reach for |
|---|---|
| Overcast, low light, chop | White β the silhouette reads clean against a grey sky. |
| Bright sun, clear water | White N Flash or Flashy Shad β flash does the calling. |
| Very clear, wary fish | Translucid Anchovy β the subtlest profile in the lineup. |
| Stained water or tough bite | Hot Belly Glass β visible from below without being loud on top. |
Colors offered vary by size. The selector above is the live list.
Recommended Gear
- Rod: moderate action with a forgiving tip. Stiff rods rip trebles out of fish on surface strikes β the single most common way anglers lose topwater fish.
- Line: braid to a fluorocarbon or mono leader. Braid gives you the direct connection to work the walk; the leader gives you abrasion resistance and a little stretch.
- Avoid heavy fluorocarbon straight through β it sinks and pulls the nose down, fighting the bait's float.
Pro Tips from the Tackle Express Crew
- Slack line makes it walk. Twitch into slack, not into tension. A tight line pulls the bait straight and kills the side-to-side.
- Use the pause. It floats for a reason. Let it sit after a blow-up and miss β fish routinely come back for a bait that's sitting still.
- Wait to feel weight before you set. Setting on the splash pulls it out of the fish's mouth.
- Try the silent version on flat mornings. Same bait, one fewer signal. Sometimes that's the difference.
Common Mistakes
- Working it on a tight line. The bait needs slack to turn.
- Too stiff a rod. Costs you fish on every strike.
- Setting on sight. Wait for the weight.
- Undersizing for saltwater. A 95mm on calicos over structure will get bit β the #6 trebles are the limiting factor, not the bait.
Specifications
and sliding action
125, 140 mm
silent version in 95mm
See It in Action
What's Included
One Fishus Espetit in the size and color selected, factory rigged with trebles. No spare hooks or split rings included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between White N Flash and White N Flash (Silent)?
The silent version has no internal rattle. Same body, same action, one fewer signal β for pressured fish and flat, clear conditions. Currently offered in 95mm.
Which size should I start with?
95mm for freshwater bass and general use. 125mm if you're fishing saltwater surface for calicos, bonito, or barracuda.
Does it float?
Yes. It holds position on the pause instead of sinking out, which is where a lot of the bites come from.
How do I make it walk?
Twitch the rod tip into slack line, not into tension. The bait needs slack to turn β pulling tight drives it straight.
Can I use it in saltwater?
Yes β the Espetit was developed for European seabass. Rinse the hardware after every trip like any other saltwater lure.
What rod and line?
Moderate action with a forgiving tip, braid to a fluorocarbon or mono leader. Avoid heavy fluorocarbon straight through; it sinks and fights the bait's float.
Why are some sizes offered in fewer colors?
Fishus doesn't produce every colorway in every size. The selector shows what's actually available.
Related Gear
- Topwater Fishing Lures β poppers, walking baits, and stickbaits.
- Freshwater Lures β cranks, jerkbaits, and soft plastics.
- Staff Favorites β what our crew actually fishes.
Buy It From People Who Fish It
We're on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita and we fish these lures on both the local lakes and the coast. Not sure whether you want the 95 or the 125, or whether the silent version is worth it for your water? Call the shop or come in β that's a two-minute conversation and it saves you buying the wrong one first.
The Basstrix Flash Trix 4" Soft Plastic Minnow has become the secret weapon for anglers running Forward-Facing Sonar. Hand-poured and hand-painted one at a time, the slim baitfish profile and large holographic eyes create a high-visibility target that shows up clearly on live imaging β and looks just as convincing to the fish below. The hollow body construction provides natural buoyancy and a soft feel that keeps fish holding on longer for superior hook-up ratios. At 4 inches (actual 3-1/2"), it matches shad and minnow forage perfectly across both freshwater and saltwater applications. 6 per pack.
Key Features
- Built for Forward-Facing Sonar β broad sides and realistic silhouette show up clearly on live imaging
- Hand-poured & hand-painted β unmatched detail with Basstrix multi-dimensional color patterns
- Hollow body construction β natural buoyancy and soft feel for superior hook-up ratios
- Versatile rigging β drop shot, hover strolling rig, Carolina rig, Ned rig, or weightless topwater
- 4" profile (actual 3-1/2") β matches shad and minnow forage for freshwater and saltwater gamefish
- 14 proven color patterns β 6 per pack
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 4 inches (actual 3-1/2") |
| Body Style | Hollow body, hand-poured |
| Quantity per Pack | 6 |
| Best Rigs | Drop shot, hover strolling, Carolina rig, Ned rig, weightless |
| Best For | FFS fishing, finesse bass, pressured fish, saltwater gamefish |
| Brand | Basstrix |
The Big Hammer 3" Swimbait is a West Coast staple built for anglers who know that presentation matters. Its distinctive square tail generates an erratic, darting action that triggers reaction strikes from bass, calico, halibut, and more β even when fish are finicky. Imagine dropping this bait along a rocky ledge and watching it flutter on the fall, drawing up a calico that had ignored everything else all morning.
The soft yet durable plastic holds up through multiple fish on the less toothy species, and the bait pairs perfectly with a Big Hammer jig head. Fish it slow on a light head for suspended fish, or go heavier and let it sink to the bottom before starting your retrieve. We recommend gluing the head to the plastic once rigged to prevent the body from pulling off on short strikes. The Owner Stinger Harness is also a great option for converting those short bites into landed fish.
Features
- Square tail design for erratic, strike-triggering action
- Soft, durable plastic β holds up through multiple fish
- Versatile depth range β adjust with jig head weight
- Available in 15 proven West Coast color patterns
- Pairs with Big Hammer jig heads and Owner Stinger Harness
- Ideal for bass, calico, halibut, and inshore species
- Sold individually
Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 3 inches |
| Colors Available | 15 colors |
| Target Species | Calico bass, largemouth bass, halibut, inshore species |
| Recommended Rigging | Big Hammer jig head; Owner Stinger Harness for short strikes |
The Roboworm 4 1/2" Straight Tail Worm is a West Coast finesse staple for anglers who want a soft, subtle worm with repeatable color and action. Roboworm's robotic production creates well-defined colors and distinctive combinations that echo the look of hand-poured finesse plastics, while the soft straight-tail body gives a sensitive, alluring action in the water.
When a fish bites, the Salt Release System releases salt from the worm. That gives the fish a reason to hold on longer and gives you more time to finish the hook set. Each package includes 10 worms.
Why This Worm Earned a Place in the Finesse Box
This is the kind of worm you reach for when fish are seeing plenty of tackle, boat traffic is high, or you need a compact profile that can be worked slowly. The 4 1/2-inch straight-tail shape stays understated, while the soft plastic and Salt Release System add life and bite appeal without turning the presentation bulky.
When a Straight Tail Solves the Problem
Some finesse days call for a worm that moves without a large paddle or aggressive appendage. The straight tail gives you a clean profile for subtle presentations, and the broad color lineup makes it easier to match the look you want instead of settling for one generic shade.
Built for Finesse Bass Fishing
- Drop-shot rigs when you want a compact worm above the weight
- Shaky-head presentations for a subtle bottom-oriented profile
- Split-shot rigs when you want the worm to glide naturally away from the weight
- Light Texas-rig applications when a straight-tail worm is the right profile
- Pressured bass situations and warmer months, when the original listing calls out this worm's effectiveness
- Large- and smallmouth bass finesse applications
The Right Pick If...
- You want a soft 4 1/2-inch worm for a subtle finesse presentation.
- You prefer consistent, well-defined colors and unusual hand-poured-style combinations.
- You want salt release to help fish hold the worm longer after the bite.
- You need a large color selection for changing light, forage, and water conditions.
What It Does Best, and When to Choose Something Else
The Straight Tail Worm is at its best when the presentation should look restrained and natural. It gives you a soft, sensitive body, a clean profile, and a wide range of colors. Choose a different soft bait when you specifically need a bulky profile, a strong swimming tail, or a more aggressive water displacement than a straight-tail worm is designed to provide.
How to Fish It
For a drop shot, rig the worm straight so it hangs naturally above the weight, then work it with small shakes and pauses. On a shaky head, keep the worm centered and drag or shake it along the bottom. A split shot lets the worm glide as you move the weight slowly, while a light Texas rig gives you a weedless-style option when cover is part of the presentation.
Keep the retrieve controlled. Short pulls, subtle shakes, and pauses let the soft plastic do the work. If a fish picks it up, the Salt Release System is designed to release salt during the bite and help encourage a longer hold.
Best Conditions
Start with this worm when fish pressure or boat traffic calls for a quieter presentation. The original listing also highlights it during warmer months. Match the rig and weight to the depth and cover, then let the color selection do the fine-tuning.
Color Guide
- Shad and hologram tones: SXE Shad, Hologram Shad, Prizm Shad, Hologram Dawn, and Morning Dawn Hologram.
- Bluegill and bass tones: Blue Crawler, Bold Bluegill, Baby Bluegill, Baby Bass, and Bait Ball.
- Craw and green tones: Red Crawler, Salt River Craw, Bitchin Craw, Green Pumpkin Purple, Green Weenie, and MM III.
- Dark and contrast tones: Black Grape, Oxblood variations, Margarita Mutilator, Orange Crusher, and Salt & Pepper Chartreuse.
- Morning Dawn family: Morning Dawn, Morning Dawn Silver Flake, Morning Dawn Chartreuse, and Aaron's Morning Dawn.
Key Features
- 4 1/2-inch straight-tail profile: A compact, subtle shape for finesse rigs.
- Soft plastic: Sensitive body with an alluring action when worked slowly.
- Salt Release System: Releases salt when a fish bites to encourage a longer hold.
- Roboworm color consistency: Robotic production creates well-defined colors and distinctive combinations.
- Large color selection: 40 current color and SKU combinations are listed below.
- 10 per pack: Each package includes 10 straight-tail worms.
Models & Specs
All models below are 4 1/2-inch Roboworm Straight Tail Worms sold 10 per pack. Prices are intentionally omitted so the table stays useful when pricing changes.
Tackle Express Tips
- Rig the worm straight. A centered body keeps the straight-tail profile working cleanly instead of spinning or tracking sideways.
- When fish are pressured, start with a small shake and a longer pause before changing colors or adding movement.
- Let the Salt Release System do its job. Once a fish picks up the worm, avoid ripping it away immediately and finish the hook set with control.
FAQ
How many worms come in a pack?
Each Roboworm 4 1/2-inch Straight Tail Worm package includes 10 worms.
What makes the Salt Release System useful?
The system releases salt when a fish bites, which is intended to encourage the fish to hold the worm longer and give you more time to complete the hook set.
What rigs work with this worm?
It is a versatile finesse worm for drop shot, shaky head, split shot, and light Texas-rig presentations. Match the rig to the depth, cover, and bottom presentation you want.
Complete the Setup
Build a shaky-head presentation with the Owner Ultrahead Shaky Head, or rig it for a drop shot with Gamakatsu Split Shot / Drop Shot Hooks. If you want a different action from the same brand, compare it with the Roboworm 4 1/2-inch Curly Tail Worms.
Choose the color family that fits the day, rig the worm straight, and let a restrained presentation turn a pressured fish into a bite.
TheΒ Spro KGB Chad Shad Swimbait is one of the great advances in fishing over the past several years is the development of glide baits. These oversized, single-jointed, hard-bodied fish imitators were created to mimic trout in California lakes but have morphed into replicating large bass prey across the country. The KGB Chad Shad 180 can resemble virtually any baitfish that bass feed on, such as trout, shad, perch, and other types of fish.
The Glide Bait designed by SPRO and KGB Swimbaits has been perfected with experience.Β Kevin Brightwell, the designer of KGB Swimbaits, has greatly enjoyed the partnership with SPRO. βItβs been a wonderful experience. Itβs all been veryΒ natural with nothing forced, and weβve been able to take a proven bait and make something new and fresh based off of that. It all started when I was sourcing hooks and they recognized who I was. After talking about glide baits and some fishing, they asked if Iβd like to partner with them. Since then itβs been an awesome partnership.β
Brightwell thinks the KGB Chad Shad 180 will find a home in tackle boxes of anglers at every experience level. βThe Chad Shad is one of the most popular baits in my lineup. Itβs versatile enough that a beginner can garner results, or a seasoned pro can use it for that big kicker fish to finish out their limit. It delivers the performance of a hand-crafted, fine-tuned bait at an affordable price.β
Features:
- 180mm length - approximately 7"
- 2.4oz
- Slow sink ROF 3-4
- 2 Gamakatsu #1 treble hooks
- MSRP: $59.99
Β Deps Cover Scat Stick Bait is poured with a bulky body and an ultra-high specific gravity material that boasts 40% salt content. Despite its relatively small size, the Cover Scat is heavy stick bait packed with tons of salt. Β The Deps Cover Scat is for sale in 17 colors.
Designed to be fished without any extra weight, this stick bait features a fast horizontal fall and uses body stabilization fins at the sides to encourage the proper posture.Β
A molded hook guard slotΒ and belly hook slot allows for easy rigging and improves your hook-up rate with less plastic to shift down the hook, while the bulb on the top of the bait serves as a hook point guard to keep the presentation completely weedless.
With no additional legs, the Deps Cover Scat Stick Bait gets in and out of cover with ease and is ideal for fishing around heavy cover and vertical structure like overhanging trees, dams, dock pilings, and bushes along the shoreline.
| Length | Quantity | Β Offset Hook Sizes | Worm Weight |
| Β 2.5" | 8 | Β 1/0 or 2/0 | 1/4oz |
| Β 3.5" | 6 | Β 3/0 | 9/16oz |
| 4" | 5 | Β 6/0 or 7/0 | 15/16oz |
Β
Experience the versatility and precision of the Megabass Dark Sleeper swimbait. Its innovative design features bottom weighting for perfect bottom bouncing and dragging, as well as hidden hooks for a stealthy and weedless presentation. With a range of sizes and weights to choose from, you can target the water with expert precision and control for maximum results.
At any speed, the tail of this swimbait will create enticing vibrations and water movement, making it an irresistible lure for even the most cautious fish. Upgrade your fishing game with the Megabass Dark Sleeper swimbait today!
1 per pack
Elevate your finesse fishing with the Z-Man Chatterbait Flashback Mini, a deadly, compact bladed jig designed to trigger aggressive strikes from a wide variety of species. By combining a downsized version of the patented hex-shaped ChatterBlade with a hand-painted, holographic minnow body, Z-Man has created a unique bait that excels in clear water and heavily pressured fisheries.
Unlike standard bladed jigs, the Flashback Mini features a skirtless design, allowing it to slip through the water with a more subtle, streamlined approach. Its signature direct head-to-blade connection ensures the bait starts thumping and vibrating the moment you begin your retrieve, delivering an exaggerated side-to-side hunting action that fish find irresistible.
Key Features:
-
Patented ChatterBait Design: Features the famous direct-to-head blade connection for instant vibration and a hard-hitting side-to-side shimmy.
-
Holographic Flash: The hand-painted minnow body is infused with multi-hue holographic foil, creating a realistic flash that mimics high-protein forage.
-
Skirtless Finesse Profile: Offers a more subtle and natural presentation than full-sized jigs, making it ideal for wary trout, panfish, and pond bass.
-
Multi-Species Dominance: A highly versatile tool for targeting crappie, bluegill, perch, trout, and bass in both fresh and brackish water.
-
Superior Durability: Built to withstand dozens of catches, with some anglers reporting over 100 fish on a single rig before needing a replacement.
-
Complete Package: Each pack comes pre-rigged with one minnow body and includes one additional unrigged curly tail body for versatile presentation options.
-
Ultra-Light Performance: Available in 1/16 and 1/8 ounce weights, perfect for ultra-light tackle and small bodies of water.
Β
Β
The Roboworm 6" Straight Tail Worms have become a staple for finesse fishing, harkening back to the days of the 'hand poured' finesse worms so popular on the West Coast more than a decade ago.
The Straight Tail Worms are surprisingly effective, especially during the warmer months when fish pressure and boat traffic are at their peak. Roboworm uses state-of-the-art robotic technology to create consistent, well-defined colors every time. It also allows them to create unique color combinations, usually only found in 'hand poured' worms. The super soft plastic Straight Tail Worms end up having a very sensitive, alluring action complete with a Salt Release System that provides a burst of salt when a fish bites ' causing them to hold on longer for solid hooksets.
Style: Straight Tail Floating Worm
Size 6"
Qty: 10 Per Pack
The PK-5 is the size most calico bass are eating most of the year. Five inches of paddle-tail profile β big enough to move water and get noticed over structure, small enough that a fish doesn't have to think about it.
Short version: 5", half an ounce, four baits per pack, weedless through a 4/0 or 5/0 hook. This is the workhorse in the Pickle Kick lineup and the default choice for open water, boiler rock, and umbrella rig arms.
What It Does in the Water
The body shape and tail were developed through computational fluid dynamics testing, which in practice means the tail kicks at slow speeds instead of needing to be burned to come alive. That matters over structure, where you want the bait crawling through the zone rather than racing past it.
The plastisol is on the firm side of soft. It costs you a little tail action compared to the softest baits on the shelf, and it buys you fish per bait β a calico that would shred a soft plastic in one grab tends to leave this one fishable.
Rigged on a swing head or a weighted EWG, the hook point tucks into the body slot and the bait comes through kelp stringers and rock without loading up.
Where It Earns Its Keep
- Slow-rolling boiler rock and kelp at Catalina and the outer islands β the bread-and-butter calico presentation.
- Open water over schooling bait, where the 5" profile matches most of what's swimming.
- Surf fishing on a lighter head, worked through troughs and along structure.
- Umbrella rig arms β the standard bait for a five-arm A-rig. See below.
Rigging It
Match a 4/0 or 5/0 hook to the body. Run the point up through the belly and out the top so it sits in the slot β buried too deep and you lose hookups, sitting too proud and you lose the weedless advantage.
Head weight sets the fall speed and the depth you can hold. A Warbaits Neck Breaker Swing Head in 1/2 oz is the general-purpose pairing; drop to 1/4 oz for shallow calm water, go 3/4 or 1 oz for deeper structure and current.
How many packs a five-arm umbrella rig takes
| What you need | Quantity | Packs to buy |
|---|---|---|
| PK-5 swimbaits | 5 (one per arm) | 2 packs β 8 baits, 3 spare |
| Swing heads, bottom two arms | 2 Γ 1/2 oz | 1 pack |
| Swing heads, top three arms | 3 Γ 1/4 oz | 2 packs |
| The rig itself | 1 | 1 PK-Rig |
Buy the baits in one color if you want the school to read as one school. Some anglers run four matching and one odd bait as a target β both work, and two packs covers either.
Our crew wrote a photo-by-photo guide covering the arm bend, keel weighting, bait sizing by location, and how to keep five arms of hooks out of every other rod in the rack.
Read the full umbrella rig setup guide βPicking a Color
Color names are fun and mostly not the point. What matters is contrast against the water you're in:
| Conditions | What to reach for |
|---|---|
| Clear water, bright sun | Natural baitfish patterns β translucent, silver, sardine and smelt tones. |
| Green or stained water | Darker backs and green-brown bodies that hold a silhouette. |
| Dirty water, low light, deep | High-contrast and solid colors. Profile beats detail once visibility drops. |
| Fish keyed on a specific bait | Match it β mackerel, smelt, and perch patterns are in the lineup for a reason. |
Pro Tips from the Tackle Express Crew
- Slow down. The tail works at a crawl. Most anglers fish this bait faster than it wants to be fished and never see what it does.
- Keep the hook point in the slot. Buried in the plastic costs you hookups; riding proud costs you the weedless advantage. It should sit flush.
- Re-seat it after every few fish. The bait slides down the shank and starts running crooked long before it looks damaged.
- Buy two colors, not five. One natural and one dark covers most SoCal days better than a box of one-offs.
Common Mistakes
- Too much head for the depth. A heavy head drags the nose down and kills the tail. Use the lightest head that holds your zone.
- Wrong hook size. Under 4/0 and the gap won't clear the body on the hookset.
- Buying one pack for an umbrella rig. Four per pack, five arms. One pack leaves you an arm short.
- Fishing a torn bait because it still looks fine. A split at the hook slot lets the bait spin, and a spinning bait twists your line.
Specifications
or weighted EWG
1/0β2/0 Β· $2.20/bait
4/0β5/0 Β· $4.75/bait
8/0 Β· $8.50/bait
where one pack builds
a full five-arm rig
Colors are listed in the selector above and change with each production run. Hooks and jig heads are sold separately.
What's Included
Four PK-5 swimbaits per pack, in the color selected. Hooks, jig heads, and the umbrella rig are sold separately. A five-arm rig takes two packs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many baits come in a pack?
Four.
What hook size does the PK-5 take?
4/0 or 5/0. Anything smaller and the gap won't clear the body on the hookset.
What jig head weight should I use?
1/2 oz covers most calico fishing. Drop to 1/4 oz in shallow calm water; go 3/4 or 1 oz for depth and current. Use the lightest head that holds your zone.
Is it weedless?
Yes, when the hook point sits flush in the body slot. That's what lets it come through kelp and rock without loading up.
How many packs do I need for a five-arm umbrella rig?
Two. Five arms, four baits per pack β you'll finish with three spares, which you will use.
PK-3, PK-5, or PK-7 β which one?
PK-5 is the everyday size and matches what calicos eat most of the year. Drop to the PK-3 inside harbors and bays when the bait is small. Go PK-7 when you want a bigger meal and you're on a rod that can throw it.
Can I use it in freshwater?
Yes. It's a saltwater bait by design and market, but the same slow-roll presentation works on largemouth.
How long does one bait last?
Depends entirely on what eats it. The plastisol is firmer than most soft baits specifically so a fish doesn't end the bait's day in one grab, but no soft plastic is permanent β change it when the hook slot splits.
Gear That Goes With It
- Warbaits Neck Breaker Swing Head β the standard head for this bait, two per pack.
- Kicker PK-Rig Umbrella Rig β five-arm rig with quick clips.
- Kicker Pickle Kick PK-3 β harbor and bay size.
- Kicker Pickle Kick PK-7 β larger profile.
- Kicker Booty Spin β same body with a spinning blade instead of a paddle tail.
Buy It From People Who Fish It
We sell Southern California saltwater tackle from our shop on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, and we fish these baits on the same water you do. Not sure which color for the conditions you're headed into, or how many packs your setup takes? Call us or come in β we'd rather work it out at the counter than have you guess.
Elevate your finesse game with the Basstrix Flash 3" a bait that has become the gold standard for anglers utilizing Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS). Meticulously hand-poured and hand-painted one at a time, these minnows offer a level of detail and realism that mass-produced baits simply cannot match. The Flash Trix features a slim, bite-sized baitfish profile and large holographic eyes, creating a high-visibility target that shows up clearly on live imaging screens.
Built with a unique hollow body construction, the Flash TrixΒ is incredibly versatile, allowing for a wide range of creative rigging methods. Whether you are targeting pressured bass in clear freshwater or finicky gamefish in saltwater, this bait is designed to trigger instinctive reaction strikes from trophy-sized predators.
Key Features:
-
Optimized for Live Imaging: Broad sides and a realistic silhouette make this the perfect lure for Forward-Facing Sonar enthusiasts.
-
Hand-Crafted Realism: Each bait is individually hand-poured to ensure unmatched detail, featuring iconic multi-dimensional color patterns.
-
Innovative Hollow Body: The internal air cavity provides natural buoyancy and a soft feel that ensures fish hold on longer for superior hook-up ratios.
-
Versatile Rigging Options: Excels on a drop shot, hover strolling rig, Carolina rig, Ned rig, or even fished weightless for topwater action.
-
Multi-Species Appeal: Available in 3" and 4" sizes to mimic common forage, making it effective for all freshwater and saltwater gamefish.
Qty: 7
The Yamamoto 5" Senko is the big-bass version of the most legendary soft plastic bait ever made. Same salt-impregnated formula, same irresistible horizontal fall with seductive side-to-side action β in a 5-inch profile that attracts larger fish, produces more bulk in the water, and excels in heavier cover where the 4" can't match the presence needed to pull out quality bass. With 50 proven colors β the most comprehensive color selection in the Senko lineup β there's a 5" Senko for every condition, every forage, and every fishery. 10 per pack.
Main Use & Benefit
A 5-inch salt-impregnated stickbait with the legendary Senko horizontal fall and side-to-side action in a larger profile β designed to attract bigger bass, produce more bulk and presence in the water, and excel in heavier cover and situations where the 4" doesn't have enough profile to pull quality fish.
Problem It Solves
The 4" Senko is the most versatile size, but when you're specifically targeting big bass in heavier cover or when fish are keying on larger forage, you need more profile and more presence in the water. The 5" Senko delivers the same legendary action with a larger body that attracts quality fish and produces more bulk on the fall β the upgrade when you want to target the biggest bass in the area.
Advantages
- β 5" larger profile β attracts bigger bass and produces more bulk and presence than the 4"
- β Same legendary salt-impregnated formula β horizontal fall with seductive side-to-side action
- β Works on any rig β wacky, Texas, Neko, drop shot, Carolina rig
- β 50 proven color options β the most comprehensive color selection in the Senko lineup
- β Proven worldwide β trusted by tournament pros and weekend anglers alike
- β 10 per pack
- β οΈ Larger profile β for finesse and clear water applications, consider the 4" or 3" Senko
When to Choose It
Reach for the 5" Senko when you're specifically targeting big bass and want a larger profile to attract quality fish, when bass are keying on larger forage, or when you're fishing heavier cover where a bigger bait gets more attention. It's the upgrade from the 4" when you want to target the largest fish in the area and are willing to sacrifice some bites for bigger ones.
Best Fishing Techniques
- Wacky Rig β hook through the center with a #2/0 or #3/0 wacky hook; use an O-ring to extend bait life; the 5" body produces a larger, more pronounced side-to-side wiggle on the fall that attracts big bass from a distance
- Weightless Texas Rig β rig on a 4/0β5/0 EWG hook; the larger body falls horizontally with a pronounced side-to-side action; deadly through sparse cover and open water when targeting quality fish
- Neko Rig β insert a 1/16β1/8 oz nail weight into the nose; hook through the center with a #1/0 wacky hook; the head-down fall and side-to-side action triggers strikes from big bass on hard bottom
- Drop Shot β nose-hook on a #1 or #1/0 hook, 12β24" above the weight; the larger 5" profile produces more action in the strike zone and attracts bigger fish than the 4"
- Carolina Rig β thread onto a 4/0β5/0 hook, 18β24" behind a 3/4β1 oz Carolina weight; drag slowly along the bottom for a large, natural presentation over deep structure
Best Conditions
- Year-round β the 5" Senko produces in any water temperature and clarity
- Heavier cover β docks, laydowns, grass edges where a larger profile gets more attention
- When bass are keying on larger forage (shad, bluegill, crawfish)
- Pre-spawn and spawn when big females are holding on structure
- Any depth β equally effective shallow on wacky rig and deep on drop shot and Carolina rig
Best For
| Technique | Species | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Wacky Rig | All bass species | Docks, laydowns, open water, big bass targeting |
| Weightless Texas Rig | All bass species | Sparse cover, open water, quality fish targeting |
| Neko Rig | All bass species | Hard bottom, clear water, big bass finesse |
| Drop Shot | All bass species | Suspended fish, deep structure, larger profile |
| Carolina Rig | All bass species | Deep structure, hard bottom, large profile dragging |
Key Features
- 5" larger profile β attracts bigger bass and produces more bulk than the 4"
- Salt-impregnated formula β horizontal fall with seductive side-to-side action
- Works on any rig β wacky, Texas, Neko, drop shot, Carolina rig
- 50 proven color options β the most comprehensive color selection in the Senko lineup
- 10 per pack
Tackle Express Tips
- Use an O-ring for wacky rigging β The 5" Senko's soft formula tears quickly on a standard wacky hook. Slide an O-ring onto the center of the bait and hook through the O-ring β you'll get 3β5x more casts per bait. A #2/0 or #3/0 wacky hook is the right size for the 5" body. The larger hook gap is important β don't undersize the hook on the 5".
- Green Pumpkin Black Flake is the all-time go-to, but explore the laminate colors β Green Pumpkin Black Flake (#297) is your starting point in clear to lightly stained water. The 5" lineup has an exceptional selection of laminate colors β Gooseberry Laminate (#963), Brown Purple Laminate (#921), and Smoke Pearl Blue Laminate (#927) are sleeper colors that produce big bites in clear water when solid colors get ignored. Midnight (#362) is a top pick for night fishing.
- Upsize to the 5" when you want quality over quantity β The 5" Senko will get fewer bites than the 4" in most situations, but the bites it gets tend to be from larger fish. If you're fishing a tournament and need a big kicker fish, or if you're on a fishery with a lot of small fish and want to filter for quality, switch from the 4" to the 5" and slow your presentation down. Let it fall longer on a slack line before moving it.
FAQ
Q: What's the difference between the 5", 4", and 3" Senko?
A: All three use the same salt-impregnated formula and legendary side-to-side fall action. The 5" is the big-bass option β larger profile, more bulk, attracts quality fish in heavier cover. The 4" is the most versatile all-around size for most situations. The 3" is the finesse option for ultra-clear water, pressured fish, and smallmouth. Start with the 4" and upgrade to the 5" when you want to target the biggest fish in the area.
Q: What hook size works best for wacky rigging the 5" Senko?
A: A #2/0 or #3/0 wacky hook works best for the 5" body. Use an O-ring to extend bait life and keep the hook centered. For weightless Texas rig, a 4/0 or 5/0 EWG hook is the right size. For drop shot, a #1 or #1/0 drop shot hook works well.
Q: Why is so effective?
A: The Senko has caught fish from day one because of the heavy salt which makes it sink without a metal weight.Β The subtle action as it falls is second to none and should be in every bass anglers arsenal.
The Keitech Easy Shiner 3" features a slim profile and super-soft composition that allows the boot tail to produce an incredible kicking action on the retrieve. Its streamlined design performs exceptionally well around vegetation, and the bait is loaded with squid scent for added attraction. An ideal choice rigged behind a darter head or used as a swim jig trailer.
Key Features
- 10 per pack
- Boot tail design β strong kicking action on the retrieve
- Slim, streamlined profile β works great around vegetation
- Super-soft composition
- Squid scent infused
- Proven techniques: darter head, swim jig trailer
- 17 colors available β Sight Flash, Pro Blue Red Pearl, Bluegill Flash, Ayu, Silver Flash, Crystal Shad, Electric Shad, Sexy Shad, Electric Blue Chartreuse, Smallmouth Magic, Sun Gill, Green Pumpkin, Rainbow Shad, Clear Lake Hitch, Green Pumpkin Green & Purple Flake, Perch, Ghost Rainbow
SPRO Flappin Frog 65 gives bass anglers a topwater frog they can buzz across the surface or slow down around a promising opening. Its legs kick with slight forward movement, so you can change pace without changing baits. A floating elastomer body lets you stop it after a missed strike and give a fish another look.
Keep the Legs Working
Some days bass react to a fast, noisy retrieve; other days they want the frog walked back more slowly. The Flappin Frog is made for both approaches. Its Gamakatsu 4/0 Nano Smooth Coating double frog hook supports a weedless presentation around cover, while the TPE body is designed for durability. The real advantage is being able to experiment with speed and pauses on the same cast.
The Right Pick If...
You want a 65 mm topwater frog with kicking-leg, buzzing action for freshwater bass fishing. Choose it for moving surface presentations and the option to stop after a missed bite. For a popping presentation instead, compare the SPRO Bronzeye Popper Frog 60; for a smaller popper profile, see the Bronzeye Baby Popper 50.
Best For
- Topwater bass fishing around vegetation and cover.
- Buzzing retrieves with the legs kicking across the surface.
- Slower walks and pauses when fish follow or miss the bait.
Key Features
- 65 mm length and 5/8 oz weight, as stated in the existing listing.
- Floating TPE elastomer body.
- Kicking legs that create buzzing topwater action.
- Gamakatsu 4/0 Nano Smooth Coating double frog hook.
- Twelve listed color options.
Models & Specs
| Model | Length | Weight | Hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flappin Frog 65 (all listed colors) | 65 mm | 5/8 oz | Gamakatsu 4/0 Nano Smooth Coating double frog hook |
Β
How to Fish It
Cast past the cover you want to work and bring the frog across the surface so the legs kick and buzz. Vary the speed, then stop it near an opening or after a missed strike. Around thick vegetation, match it with a suitable frog setup; SPRO Bronzeye Braid 8X Moss Green is another line option to consider.
Tackle Express Tips
- Start with a steady retrieve, then slow down if fish follow without taking it.
- Pause near gaps in cover to give a fish time to come back.
- Check the legs and hook for weeds after each pass through vegetation.
FAQ
What size is the Flappin Frog 65? The listing states 65 mm and 5/8 oz.
Can I pause it after a missed strike? Yes. Its floating body lets you stop the bait and try to draw a follow-up bite.
What hook does it use? The existing specifications list a Gamakatsu 4/0 Nano Smooth Coating double frog hook.
Pick a color and find the retrieve pace that gets bass looking up.
When the bait in the water is small, five inches of swimbait is the wrong answer. Inside harbors and bays, spotted bay bass are keyed on little stuff most of the year, and a big profile gets looked at and refused.
Short version: 3", 0.35 oz, three to five baits per pack, the Β weedless on a 1/0 or 2/0 hook. The smallest bait in the Pickle Kick line, the cheapest per bait, and the only size where one pack builds one complete umbrella rig.
Where It Earns Its Keep
- Harbors and bays β the primary use. Spotted bay bass on the bottom around structure, docks, and rock walls.
- Skinny water and calm conditions, where a heavy bait lands too hard and a light one can be crawled.
- When you're getting followed but not bit. Fish tracking a bigger bait and turning off is a size problem more often than a color problem.
- Umbrella rig arms for harbor fishing β five small profiles reads like a real bait ball inside the bay. See below.
- Freshwater largemouth and smallmouth, where a 3" paddle tail is a year-round confidence size.
Our crew wrote a photo-by-photo guide covering the arm bend, keel weighting, bait sizing by location, and how to keep five arms of hooks out of every other rod in the rack.
Read the full umbrella rig setup guide βRigging It
Match a 1/0 or 2/0 hook to the body β considerably smaller than what the PK-5 takes, so don't reach into that box. Run the point up through the belly so it sits flush in the slot. On a body this size, a hook that's even slightly oversized will bind the bait and kill the tail.
Keep the head light. A 1/4 oz head is the general-purpose pairing for harbor bottom work; drop to 1/8 oz in shallow calm water. The whole reason to fish a 3" bait is a slow, natural fall β too much lead and you've thrown that away.
Picking a Color
Inside harbors the water is usually working against you, so contrast matters more than pattern detail:
| Conditions | What to reach for |
|---|---|
| Clear harbor water | Natural and translucent baitfish tones β smelt, minnow, and bone patterns. |
| Green or stained water | Green-brown bodies that hold a silhouette against the bottom. |
| Dirty water and low light | High-contrast and solid colors. Profile beats detail once visibility drops. |
| Fish on crab or shrimp | Craw and mottled patterns worked slowly along the bottom. |
Pro Tips from the Tackle Express Crew
- Size down before you change color. When fish are following and refusing, the profile is usually the problem. This is the bait you drop to.
- Fish it on the bottom, slowly. Harbor spotties are a bottom-contact fish. Drag, pause, and let it sit longer than feels right.
- Don't reuse your PK-5 hooks. A 4/0 in a 3" body binds the bait and kills the action. 1/0 or 2/0.
- At five per pack, buy the color you'll fish all day. One pack covers a full umbrella rig or a full session of singles.
Common Mistakes
- Too much head weight. The slow fall is the entire advantage of a 3" bait. A heavy head throws it away.
- Oversized hook. The most common rigging error on this size, and it stops the tail dead.
- Fishing it in open water where the bait is big. This isn't the outer-island bait β that's the PK-5.
- Retrieving it like a 5" bait. Faster doesn't help. Bottom contact and pauses do.
What's Included
Five PK-3 swimbaits per pack, in the color selected. Hooks, jig heads, and the umbrella rig are sold separately. One pack rigs a complete five-arm umbrella rig.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many baits come in a pack?
Five.
What hook size does the PK-3 take?
1/0 or 2/0. Much smaller than the PK-5's 4/0β5/0 β an oversized hook binds the body and kills the tail.
How many packs do I need for a five-arm umbrella rig?
One. Five baits, five arms. It's the only Pickle Kick size where the math is exact.
PK-3 or PK-5?
PK-3 inside harbors, bays, and skinny water where the bait is small. PK-5 for open water, boiler rock, and the outer islands. If fish are following your bigger bait and refusing it, drop to the PK-3.
What jig head weight should I use?
1/4 oz for general harbor bottom work, 1/8 oz in shallow calm water. Keep it light β a slow fall is the point of this size.
Is it weedless?
Yes, when the hook point sits flush in the body slot. That's what lets it come through structure without loading up.
Can I use it in freshwater?
Yes. A 3" paddle tail is a year-round size for largemouth and smallmouth on the same slow, bottom-contact presentations.
What are the Aftco colors?
A collaboration series between Kicker and Aftco. Same body and same specs β the difference is the color pattern.
Gear That Goes With It
- Warbaits Neck Breaker Swing Head β 1/8 oz and 1/4 oz are the weights for this bait.
- Kicker PK-Rig Umbrella Rig β five-arm rig with quick clips.
- Kicker Pickle Kick PK-5 β the everyday 5" open-water size.
- Kicker Pickle Kick PK-7 β the big-profile option.
- Kicker Booty Spin β same family with a spinning blade instead of a paddle tail.
Buy It From People Who Fish It
We sell Southern California saltwater tackle from our shop on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, and we fish these baits in the same harbors you do. Not sure whether to size down, or which head weight your water wants? Call us or come in β we'd rather work it out at the counter than have you guess.
The C3 Baits Ice Pick 3" is a staple finesse soft plastic born from over 40 years of fishing experience on Southern California's most pressured reservoirs β Castaic Lake, Pyramid Lake, and Lake Piru. Hand-poured, packaged, and delivered by Captain Castaic himself, John Petroski, the Ice Pick features a rounded profile tapering down to a flat pin tail that creates a subtle, irresistible action in the water column. Buoyant by design, it rides naturally on a dropshot or ball head jig, triggering bites when other baits can't.
Unlike a narrower profile bait, the Ice Pick's rounded body gives it just enough presence to be seen while staying light and natural β exactly what finicky bass in clear, pressured water demand. Change colors to match the hatch and this bait will produce year-round.
Key Features
- 3" buoyant pin tail profile β natural, light action in the water column
- Rounded body tapers to flat pin tail β more presence than a shimmy, more finesse than a worm
- Deadly on dropshot and ball head jig presentations
- Hand-poured and 100% handcrafted in Castaic, CA β made in USA
- Color-matched to local forage by Captain Castaic with 40+ years on the same lakes
- 12 baits per pack β exceptional value
- Produces year-round β just match the color to conditions
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 3" |
| Style | Finesse pin tail worm |
| Pack Count | 12 baits per pack |
| Best Rigs | Dropshot, ball head jig, shaky head |
| Best For | Pressured bass, clear water, finesse fishing |
| Made In | Castaic, CA β 100% USA handcrafted |
| Brand | C3 Baits |
Also try the C3 Baits Shimmy for an even narrower finesse profile.
Watch It In Action
Showing 20/621
Next
